Investec Champions Cup Result
Sale Sharks (14) 21
Tries: Van Rhyn, Davies, Louw Conversions: Du Preez (3)
Glasgow Warriors (12) 26
Tries: Hiddleston, Darge, Steyn, McDowall Conversions: Hastings (3)
The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale.
Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.
But, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.
Additional second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major first-round victory.
Warriors Take Control After Half-Time
The match began with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.
The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an pass and score, making Sale's lead.
Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.
The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first time soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.
With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the team. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.
The hosts found a late hope when Louw showed neat footwork to score. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes left.
A final chance came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.
Looking Ahead
Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.
The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also includes the English side and South African outfit the Hollywoodbets Sharks.
Line-ups
Sale Sharks: Reed; O'Flaherty, Ma'asi-White, Louw, Wills; Du Preez, Quirke; McIntyre, Jibulu, John, Burrow, Bamber, Vermeulen, Van Rhyn, T Curry.
Replacements: Caine, Onasanya, Harper, Andrews, B Curry, Warr, Davies, Wehr.
Glasgow Warriors: McKay; Steyn, McDowall, Tuipulotu, Smith; Hastings, Horne; McBeth, Hiddleston, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Cummings, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.
Replacements: Stephen, Sutherland, Talakai, Samuel, Brown, Miller, Dobie, Lancaster.
Match Officials
Referee: Pierre Brousset (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).
